Talk for public about new screening programme for men

The public is invited to attend a talk at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital about a new screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms (also known as AAAs) which is aimed at men aged over 65 years. An estimated 80,000 men aged between 65 and 74 are affected by the condition, which is caused when the main blood vessel in the abdomen – the aorta – weakens and starts to expand.

The meeting will be taking place from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday 6th November 2012 in the Gooch Lecture Theatre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Mr Matthew Armon , NNUH Vascular Surgeon who will be speaking at the event, said: “If undetected, the condition can be fatal and around 6,000 men die every year in England from a burst Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Men who have this type of aneurysm will not generally notice any symptoms, which is why screening is so important.”

At the talk, those attending can find out more about the screening programme and men aged 65 and over can sign up for a screening check.

To book a place at the meeting, call the hospital membership office on 01603 287634.

Notes to editors
The new NHS AAA Screening Programme will reduce deaths from the condition by up to 50 per cent by detecting AAA’s early and offering appropriate monitoring or treatment. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk from the condition so invitations for screening are being sent out to men in the area in the year they turn 65.

The screen test involves a simple ultrasound scan of the abdominal aorta which measures the aortic diameter. The screening test takes less than 10 minutes, is highly effective and men receive their result immediately.

For more information please visit the national programme website at: http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk